Daily
Rockford
Thursday, October 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rockford hosted a training session on violence prevention at the Blackhawk Court Center on October 22 where local groups taught non-violent conflict resolution techniques. The city will hold another session on October 29 at the Northwest Community Center to help residents learn how to assert their legal rights in conflicts. WTVO
- ➤ After the Rockford veterans drop-in center closed last month, Homefront 815 Veterans Center began serving hot meals five days a week at a local VFW—now volunteers are asking for donations of warm coats, gloves, hats, scarves and socks to help veterans stay safe as temperatures drop. The group is also applying for nonprofit status so it can secure a permanent building that provides a safe space for veterans to eat, talk and access support. WIFR
- ➤ Director Shimere Shanklin opened the Sisters By Love House—Rockford’s first reentry home for formerly incarcerated women—yesterday on the southeast side to provide a stable place for rebuilding lives; local leaders and state officials supported the new facility to help reduce recidivism and strengthen the community. WIFR
- ➤ Rockford University students in the Kinesiology Senior Seminar partnered with Rockford Rescue Mission to launch a winter clothing drive running from October 1st to November 3rd to support local residents in need, and the drive will conclude with a Costume Knockout Tournament on November 2nd at 4:00 p.m. at the Seaver Center—participants must bring a winter clothing donation to enter. Rockford University
- ➤ Rockford University kinesiology students will host a free youth baseball/softball camp on October 25 at 9:30 a.m. on their new turf fields, where kids will learn skills like throwing, fielding, hitting, and baserunning—students will lead the camp and provide lunch from Buffalo Wild Wings and goody bags, with indoor plans if weather causes delays. Rockford University
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey lost his son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren in a helicopter crash in Carter County, Montana late Wednesday night—his other grandson was not on board and is safe. WTVO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A new book titled The Rockford Anthology has been published to showcase Rockford’s diverse history and identity—featuring essays, poems and photos submitted by local residents. A live reading event will take place on Wednesday at Rock Valley College to let the community hear from the contributors. WTVO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students at Johnson Elementary learned about opera when Opera for the Young performed on October 22nd (the group brings live, professional opera to schools) in the morning; the performance introduced them to a new art form. WIFR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The roundabout at Main Street and Auburn will close at noon on Oct 26 for re-striping (to switch to a permanent single-lane layout). A pilot program cut crashes by 60% (with detours available until the intersection reopens at 6 a.m. on Oct 27) and drivers are urged to follow the new traffic pattern. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ If the government shutdown continues, SNAP benefits may be cut starting November 1 and local food pantries are bracing for more visitors. Rock River Valley Pantry has already served up to 8,000 people in a month—heightening concerns about meeting demand as the holidays approach. WTVO
- ➤ Construction began earlier this month at Davis Park in downtown Rockford as crews used a large crane to remove an old bench and close the park—city officials say the $15 million project by Farr Associates and Conservation Design Forum will add a music stage, skate park, and other amenities, with the park expected to reopen by next summer. Northern Public Radio
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Ghulam Murtaza opened his practice at UW Heart Hospital where he uses a robot to do heart surgeries without big cuts—this technique, known as TECAB, can lower risks and speed up recovery. He said the new method offers Rockford patients a less invasive option than traditional open-heart surgery. WIFR
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Rockford University Kinesiology Senior Seminar students will host their Surf, Set, Save sports equipment donation event during a Hawaiian themed volleyball game tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. in the Seaver gym—encouraging community members to bring gently used sports gear to support local athletes and families. Rockford University
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Herbie Hancock Performance
7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Ticket prices vary — Experience jazz legend Herbie Hancock in an evening of musical mastery.
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Rockford Poké Fest
10 a.m.-6 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront — $5 Adult Admission — Celebrate Pokémon with family-friendly activities and fun for all ages.
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Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Tribute
7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Tickets required — Experience the powerful tribute to Led Zeppelin with Jason Bonham at the Rockford Casino.
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Halloween Night with Taboo Blah Blah
8-11 p.m. — The Music Box — Check website for tickets — Enjoy an evening of rhythmic sounds and heartfelt songwriting with local band Taboo Blah Blah.
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An Evening with Long-Shot
8-10:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Ticket information not provided — Enjoy an evening of music with Rockford's own twin brothers and their band Long-Shot.
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X Bar Bingo Night at Chewy’s
7-9 p.m. — Chewy’s Sports Bar & Grill — Bring your own markers — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of bingo with prizes and delightful dinner specials.
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Ninja Kidz Live
6-7:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of the Ninja Kidz Live show in Rockford's historic theatre.
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2025 Annual Diwali Night Celebration
5-9 p.m. — Harlem High School — $15-$35 — Celebrate Diwali with dinner, dancing, performances, and cultural festivities.
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Beyond the Scoreboard: A Night of Champions
6-9 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront — $12 individual, $50 family of five — Celebrate mental health awareness in sports with MLB champion Ben Zobrist and local leaders.
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An Evening with Nathan Graham & Noah Guthrie
7-10:30 p.m. — The Music Box — $20.11 — Experience soulful melodies blending South Side Blues with Nashville Americana.
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